We're not claiming these are the definitive "best," "most essential," or "most authentic" restaurants in all of NYC or any of that jazz. We are just saying that if it were us in town for a few days, these are the places we'd make a beeline for to eat, drink and generally be delighted.

Not a fan of our faves? Well, OK then. Just send us a DM or a note @eatocracy on Twitter, let us know where you are, and we'll find you some food to suit your mood.

Have a delicious stay.

Terroir | Tribeca Address: 24 Harrison St. Phone: 212.625.9463 Website: http://www.wineisterroir.com/ Categories: Downtown, Bar, Eat at the bar Solo Dining: Yes Tip: Three words: Riesling on tap. It may be touted as a wine bar, but the food is killer. Chicken liver and lardo bruschette are life-changers.

Caracas Arepa Bar Address: 93 1/2 East 7th St. Phone: 718.218.6050 or 212.529.2314 Website: http://www.caracasarepabar.com Categories: Downtown Tip: For a taste of Venezuela, chomp into one of these stuffed corn-flour arepas. Feeling indecisive? Try the La Popular sampler of three different, traditional varieties.

Sakagura Address: 211 East 43rd St. Phone: 212.953.7253 Website: http://www.sakagura.com/ Categories: Midtown, Hidden gem, Eat at the bar Solo Dining: Yes Tip: A taste of Tokyo is hidden in the basement of a Midtown East office building -- your friends will be impressed you found this place. Go for lunch and sake -- their platters are a multi-course steal at $20.

Spotted Pig Address: 314 West 11th Street Phone: 212.620.0393 Website: http://thespottedpig.com/ Categories: Downtown, Celeb spotting, Late night Tip: The gastropub to end all gastropubs. Devils on Horseback, chicken liver and a burger with Roquefort are a few of its hearty offerings. A 2-hour wait is normal during peak time as is celeb-spotting in the witching hours.

Marea Address: 240 Central Park South Phone: 212.582.5100 Website: http://www.marea-nyc.com/home.html/ Categories: Midtown, Date night, Eat at the bar Solo Dining: Yes Tip: It was just named Best New Restaurant at the James Beard Awards so reservations may be tight. But, it's worth the fuss to order fusilli with red wine braised octopus and bone marrow and eat at the bar.

Grand Central Oyster Bar Address: 89 E. 42nd St. (in Grand Central Station) Phone: 212.490.6650 Website: http://oysterbarny.com/ Categories: Midtown, Old New York Solo Dining: Yes Tip: This is old school New York. Nab a table in the cavernous, subterranean dining room or saloon or a seat at the curving lunch counter or raw bar and slurp down fresh oysters or a classic pan roast.

Degustation Address: 239 East 5th Street Phone: 212.979.1012 Website: No website Categories: Downtown, Adventurous Tip: Skip a la carte and go for the tasting menu: a New York bargain at 5-courses for $55. The tiny restaurant seats diners at a counter around an open kitchen -- dinner and a show.

Death & Co. Address: 433 E. 6th St. Phone: 212-388-0882 Website: http://www.deathandcompany.com/lounge/ Categories: Downtown, Bar Tip: Cocktails are to die for at this East Village bar. Drinks like the Joy Division and the Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test sparkle amid the Gothic loveliness of this cocktail manor.

Hill Country Address: 30 West 26th Street Phone: 212.255.4544 Website: http://www.hillcountryny.com/ Categories: Gramercy/Flatiron, Casual, Good for groups, Live music Tip: Boot scoot on over to Hill Country for some low and slow-smoked brisket, ribs and all the southern fixings. Save room for a PB & J cupcake. Everything's bigger in Texas so bring your appetite.

Keens Steakhouse Address: 72 West 36th St. Phone: (212) 947-3636 Website: http://www.keens.com/ Categories: Midtown, Old New York Solo Dining: Yes Tip: In 1905, Lillie Langtry sued to be allowed access to the gents-only premises. Upon winning, she swept in and ordered the mutton chop. Follow her lead. Don't miss prime-rib hash and 200+ single malts.